Notify me when back in stock

An incredible memoir from one of the world’s most eminent heart surgeons and some of the most remarkable and poignant cases he’s worked on. Grim Reaper sits on the heart surgeon’s shoulder. A slip of the hand and life ebbs away.The balance between life and death is so delicate, and the heart surgeon walks that rope between the two. In the operating room there is no time for doubt. It is flesh, blood, rib-retractors and pumping the vital organ with your bare hand to squeeze the life back into it. An off-day can have dire consequences – this job has a steep learning curve, and the cost is measured in human life. Cardiac surgery is not for the faint of heart.

Professor Stephen Westaby took chances and pushed the boundaries of heart surgery. He saved hundreds of lives over the course of a thirty-five year career and now, in his astounding memoir, Westaby details some of his most remarkable and poignant cases – such as the baby who had suffered multiple heart attacks by six months old, a woman who lived the nightmare of locked-in syndrome, and a man whose life was powered by a battery for eight years.A powerful, important and incredibly moving book, Fragile Lives offers an exceptional insight into the exhilarating and sometimes tragic world of heart surgery, and how it feels to hold someone’s life in your hands.

When you place an order with the ABC Shop Online you will receive an immediate confirmation email prior to your order being processed. We will notify you again by email once your account has been charged and your order has been dispatched.

Domestic Delivery within Australia - Flat rate*

Service

Price

Tracking

Delivery Time

Australia Post eParcel within Australia

$7.50

Yes

~2 to 7 days

Australia Post Express eParcel within Australia

$9.50

Yes

~1 to 3 days

Details

Service

Description

Traceable

Standard Delivery

Express Delivery

eParcel

Traceable service with Australia Post eParcel service. Your unique online tracking number will be sent to a valid email address. If you choose Authority to Leave your parcel will be left in a safe place on your premises, or else a card will be left for you to collect the parcel from your Post Office.

Yes

~ 2-7 business days*

~ 1-3 business days**

Please note that the delivery times given are from time of dispatch from our Fulfilment Centre, which usually takes 1-2 business days as long as all of the items ordered are listed as 'Ready to deliver'. We are happy to split orders based on availability, however this will incur an additional freight charge.

International Delivery

International Courier Service (DHL)

Service

Price

Order Weight

Coverage

Traceable

Delivery

DHL Globalmail Packet Plus

Calculated in Checkout

under 2kg

Worldwide

Yes

~ 3-14 business days
(subject to availability)

DHL International Parcel Standard

Calculated in Checkout

2kg to 20kg

Worldwide

Yes

~ 3-14 business days
(subject to availability)

Important information about International shipments
International Courier orders are traceable and fully insured and therefore replaceable if lost en route. The ABC Shop will provide as much assistance as possible in tracing misdirected items but cannot be held responsible for items lost by overseas postal services.

While Australian tax (G.S.T.) is removed from all international orders please be aware that your order may be subject to local Customs duties and/or local taxes in the country of destination. Please check with your local authority to ascertain applicable rates. Any additional charge must be borne by the recipient.

International Orders - Additional Identification

Some international orders may require additional identification before being processed. The transmission of this information to the ABC Shop may affect estimated delivery times. The ABC Shop reserves the right to request additional identification prior to processing orders originating outside Australia.

Customs and International Duty

International delivery may be subject to local Customs levies. Please check with your local authority to ascertain applicable rates. Additional charges must be borne by the purchaser.

*Large and Bulky Orders

Some large orders and bulky items may require an adjustment to quoted delivery costs. We will contact you to approve any additional charges that may be incurred, and you may cancel your order at any time prior to processing.

Order & Delays

Unforeseen supply problems or unexpected demand may occasionally result in stock being unavailable. Should there be a delay in dispatching your order we will contact you advising you of the reason for the delay. You may cancel such an order at any time prior to processing.